The information age we now live in can sometimes be a double edge sword. An instant message, text, or email can be circulated, forwarded, and duplicated faster than most people can keep up with. That makes it easy to get a message out to the world, but sometimes the accuracy of that message comes into question.
A recent email has been circulating around Brownwood over the past few days claiming that a local convenient store refused service to a man in a military uniform.
The email says, “At Church last night, one of the members was telling about a military guy in uniform was in a store in Brownwood and was refused service. I suppose the only reason was because he was in uniform.”
The email goes on to name the store and says “That group of people also own 4 other stores in the B’wood area.” It also lists four other local convenient stores in the Brownwood and Early area and urges the reader not to shop there. It is signed “Jewel.”
This has caused quite an uproar around town with residents wondering if it is true and what store owner would do such a thing.
When taking a closer look at this email, its allegations quickly start to fall apart. So far, there has been no evidence found to support the claims in the now “infamous” email. In fact, the local store owners seem to want to show support for the military. There are also several “red flags” in this email which would seem to support the idea that is it untrue.
Here are some quotes that we received from several local convenient store owners, businesses and military supporters regarding this issue:
–“After talking to several of owners of stores listed in the e-mail and feedback from Military who have shopped in the store, it doesn’t appear to be true. If something did happen at that one store, it would be a problem with the clerk and not the owner. The stores listed in the e-mail are not all owned by one group so that information is wrong.” – Joyce Leidig, Military & Family Support Group
–“This email is to clarify some unfair statement regarding Cousins Super C in Early. We have a large Military customer base at Cousins, they come with their uniforms and we welcome them proudly and serve them with utmost respect. If you know of any of our clerks have done otherwise, please let us know so he or she will be terminated immediately. Again we support our Military men and women and we proudly serve them. Cousins is the only store we own in Early.” -Cousins Owners Foad & Vida Mouri
–“Food Plaza has always supported our men and women of the military. Sending gossip by either email or word of mouth will always hurt someone.” – Steve Fryar, Food Plaza
–“In the past few days, several Brownwood area businesses have been maliciously attacked via email in a message that contained inaccurate information. Please let this be a lesson to all of us as email users: DO NOT forward a “rumor” message. If the rumor turns out to be untrue, as in this case, an innocent person or business can be harmed. Even if it turns out to be true, then remember that circulating gossip is not helpful either.” – Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce
Other problems with the email become apparent when the “military guy” and the author of the original email are not completely identified. Also, when an email being circulated refers to something that is based on second and third hand information, it is important to verify it.
The information age offers great tools to help get a message out, but just like any tool, it can cause damage if used the wrong way. Be mindful before you click that send button.
-Ray Tipton
